Arippa - Calm and Peaceful Ecotourism Spot in Kerala

Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people". The term ecotourism is popularized in the world with sustainable development programs. The development process for increasing infrastructure of a location will hurt the ecological balance and diversity of nature. But through sustainable development process this destruction of nature can avoid. Kerala, the beautiful state at the southern part of India is now utilizing its great possibility in ecotourism and sustainable development. With the part of it, there formed a number of ecotourism spots, that helping the visitors to be the part of nature and to view the beauty of diversity in nature.

Arippa is one of the ecotourism spot in Kerala that providing great opportunity to know the Mother Nature in close. This is 1000 hectares of forest plantation in a compact area. This is calm and peaceful destination for tourists admits the lush green and shady forest environment and it is the wooded highlands and a part of Western Ghats. Arippa is known for its diverse species of birds and wildlife and is a renowned haunt for bird watchers.

Short treks, bird and wildlife watching, visit to the nearby tribal settlement, outdoor camping in jungle camps etc are the main ecotourism activities for the tourists. Tribal guides are the specialty about trekking through the forest routs. They will lead us through unstoppable adventurous experiences. Jyothismathy is the beautiful KFDC Inspection Bungalow near here serves as an excellent retreat and halting place for visitors en route to ecotourism centres like Palode, Konni, Thenmala, Kallar etc.

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Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala is now a world famous ecotourismspot and the uncrushed nature by human is the main thing that is supporting the ecotourism development in - blogReaction

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – An Incredible Peep Parlor of Biodiversity

Kerala is now a world famous ecotourism spot and the uncrushed nature by human is the main thing that is supporting the ecotourism development in this traveler’s paradise. The lap of the greenish nature in this God’s own country is always welcoming the tourists from all corner of the world. The Western Ghats of Kerala is the main set up for ecotourism activities at this southern state in India. Peppara wildlife Sanctuary is a great contribution to the ecotourism achievement in Kerala

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located around the artificial lake created by Peppara dam across Karamana River and this area is declared as wildlife sanctuary on 1983. This sanctuary is a dense forest and safe home to wide variety of wild animals, plants and birds.  Palode reserve forest and Kottoor Reserve forest are the part of it. The topography of this wildlife sanctuary in Trivandrum district is quite hilly. Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and green meadows.

A boat ride through the scenic lake is providing great view to the biodiversity in this lush greenery. A variety of wildlife is populating the sub tropical and tropical evergreen forests. This dense evergreen is also home to homing and migratory birds and butterflies. Tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, elephant, gaur, sambhar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc are making rich this sanctuary with biodiversity. The bird species that including water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are the specialty here. Also moth and butterflies are present here. The tribal settlements in this sanctuary are also coloring the human life at the lap of Mother Nature.

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Sabarimala - A Pilgrimage Tour Spot of Muslim Hindu Harmony

Pathanamthitta distict in God’s own country Kerala is also known as the ‘Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism’ of the State. The number of ancient temples is present here that made this pet name to this area. Pilgrimage tourism in the Pathanamthitta district is a rather enriching experience as the districts abounds in places of religious worship and significance. Not only temples and number of old mosques and churches also have been built in close proximity.

Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is one of the most revered Hindu worship place in India is located here. Sabarimala is said to be the sacred adobe of Lord Ayyappa.  This holy shrine is the part of dense forest and the travel through this forest to the shrine is giving great experience. The forest is the safe home to various wildlife species and it is also a part of Western Ghat Mountain Ranges.

Vishu Vilakku, Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the main occasions in this temple and this time the temple and around are finding a big sea of pilgrims from all over the India. The traditional routes through the forest to this temple are famous for the scenic splendor and mythological value. The reaching to Ayyappa temple is very challenging through these traditional routes. Undulated hilly terrains, lusting green thick forests, freely moving wild animals and creatures, easy feasting perennial streams, twittering of bird fauna and amazing varieties of flora make the Sabarimala a marvelous destination for nature loving tourists.

Sabarimala is also a great example to religious harmony. This is because of there is a shrine dedicated to a Muslim Saint, Vavaru Swamy and all the pilgrims firstly coming to this Muslim shrine before going to Ayyappa Temple. The pilgrims must take 41 days austerities before staring pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Women of age above 14 years and below 50 years are not allowed in this shrine.

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Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary – A Heaven of Rare Herbs

Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is setting up an excellent canvas of exotic flora and fauna to the tourists to Kerala. It is an exotic ecotourism spot in Kerala covered with 12000 hectares of rich vegetation around the artificial lake created by huge Neyyar Dam. It is an ideal gene pool reserve of tropical evergreens, mixed deciduous and southern hill forests. Mullayar and Kallar are the two rivers to water this rolling greenish and various species.

Agasthyamalai is the peak in this sanctuary and famous in the name of wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly colored orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland.

Agasthya Mountain is also known as Agasthyakoodam and is also the second largest peak in south India. This peak is in the form of a sharp cone and a heaven of rare herbs and medicinal plants. Agasthyakoodam has great position in ancient myths of India and this mountain is highly respected by Hindus as well as Buddhists. Hindus believe this mountain was the home of sage Agasthya who first brought and popularized the Vedic religion to South India. Agastya is considered to be one of the seven ‘Rishis’ (Saptarshi) of Hindu ‘Puranas’. Buddhists think that Agastya Mountain is the abode of Bodhisatva Avalokiteswara.

This ecotourism spot is providing facilities of crocodile watching, boating and trekking. The medicinal garden here is a great collection of wide variety of medicinal plants using in Kerala Ayurveda, some of them are stronger to heal even harmful diseases. The safari at Lion Park is more adventurous and is also an opportunity to watch homing and migratory birds. Boat rides can do to at least two of six islands in the Neyyar Reservouir. Trekking to Agasthyamala peak is allowable only at April May months.

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Thekkady Tour and Accommodation in Exotic Thekkady Hotels

Welcome to Thekkady in Kerala one of the world most fascinating reserves in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. With and area of 777 sq. km, which is covered by the thick evergreen forest, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to tiger today since the time it was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its scenic surrounding and the geo-morphical diversity, the beauty of the wildlife sanctuary attracts tourists, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from all the nook and corner of the world. The artificial lake which is also known by the name Periyar Lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar sanctuary enhances the beauty of the place. Here many of the tourists on their visit to Periyar come to enjoy the boat cruise to see the varied species of birds and animals in the sanctuary roaming freely all over. Truly speaking it is the only sanctuary in India, where you can see the wildlife animals from the very close quarter which gives you the unique experience of Thekkady tour in Periyar.

Looking at the increase in the visit of tourists day by day, several hotels and resorts have come up in an around Thekkady to provide excellent accommodation facilities and services so that they have a pleasant stay throughout their journey in Thekkady. Thekkady hotels and resorts are known for their standard services and the accommodation facilities they provide are simply make tourists to extend their stay in Thekkady for some more time. You also have wonderful opportunity to enjoy the exotic beauty of the Thekkady resorts as the accommodation facilities and services provided by them are truly indefinable. Here experience the cultural beauty of Kerala and their great hospitality which makes Kerala the sought after tourism destination in the world, Thekkady being the most visit destination on their visit.

During your stay you will have a unique experience which will savor you for lifetime and keep your visit to Thekkady evergreen. Apart from the hospitality, Thekkady is blessed with amazing beauty and greenery which are seen to be believed.  Here one can enjoy and explore enigmatic attractions which are scattered in an around Thekkady. The sanctuary water towers, Kumily, Mangala Devi Temple, Chellarkovil, Vandiperiyar, pullumedu, Kuttikanam, Peeru Hills, Pattumala, Vagamom, etc are some of the major highlight which tourists can see and explore on their visit to Thekkady in Kerala, India. Truly speaking visit once to Thekkady and you will love to come to this exotic place in Kerala blessed by the superb beauty of nature time and again.

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Manali the Heart of Himachal Tourism | Before It's News

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Kerala School Kalotsavam – Be a Part of the World’s Biggest Youth Festival

Kerala, God’s own country is also a country of diverse festivals and celebrations. The goal of these all festivals are to display the mutual harmony among people and kerala’s rich and diverse culture and heritage. The festival time of Kerala is favorite time to the visitors and tourists from other parts of the world. Kerala School Kalolsavam is not only a festival and here joints and competite the talents of the young generation of Kerala .Kerala School Kalolsavam is the largest art youth festival in the world. The organizational set up from school level to state level for the conduct of Kalolsavam is monitored by Education Department of Kerala.

In 1956-57 this art festival started and its now a great occasion to the students in Kerala to express themselves in front of a large number of viewers from all part of Kerala and it is a golden chance to tourists to see the various art forms in Kerala and India. The inspiration to the Kerala School Kalolsavam is the Inter-University festival at Delhi and at the starting of school festival, programme was scheduled for one day and there were 200 participants only. But now the number of participants increased to above 10,000 and this is a 7 day festival. Decorative main stage is accommodating thousands of viewers. Also delicious breakfast, mid day meals and supper are arranged for nearly 10,000 participants.

First time introduction of Kalolsavam, there had only less number of items in competition. After that, gradually opened the doors for other traditional art forms in Kerala culture. Kathakali music, Mohiniyattom, Aksharaslokam, Margomkali, Kuchipudi, Yakshaganam, Band display, drawing and writing items, Mono act etc is some of the items on this big stage. The Proclamation rally, that displaying colorful decorations, stills and art forms is a prelude to the Kalolsavam and announcing the starting of huge festival.

The festival has a foolproof system to encourage thousands of students in various Art and Literary forms in each academic year. The student who is attaining more points in competition is rewarded by Kalaprathiba (for boy) or Kalathilakam (for girl). Kerala School Kalotsavam is a Kaleidoscope of Kerala's young talent in the field of Art and Literature.

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Aralam Sanctuary – Visit a Bonsai Model of Nature’s Care

Aralam is one of the smallest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, located at the western slopes of Western Ghats. It established in 1984, it adjoins with the State Farm in Aralam at kannur District. Aralam sanctuary is a bio-rich forest range that populated with 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus trees. Diverse plant and animal life is the specialty here and the highest peak in this area is the Katti Betta, scaling to a height of 1,145m. The hilly terrains and evergreen forest teeming with various species of flora and fauna set the stage for some delightful outdoor activities for tourists.

This is an ecotourism spot in Kerala that providing enjoyable trekking and picnic facility to know the care from nature. This is the safe home to various birds and animals including elephants, sambar, bison, leopard, boar, deer, jungle cat and different species of squirrels, the Aralam Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. To watch the animals and to feel the taste of cool and fresh air there has arranged an overnight stay in the forest watch tower.

Chavachi and Meenmutty are the two famous waterfalls here those attracting number of tourists here for their remarkable vacation. Meenmutty is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 meters. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala's second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest.

 The forest watch tower from Aralam sanctuary is giving a panoramic view to this water falls. Trekking from Valayanchat to Meenmutty covering a distance of 14 km is another interesting pursuit to visitors. The Aralam River is watering this lush greenery and is another picnic spot and providing an unforgettable experience at the river side.

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Eravikulam National Park – A World of Endemic Species

Eravikulam is a golden gift to the nature of Kerala and it is a wildlife sanctuary that is a safe home to unique species of animals, plants and birds. It perched 7000 ft above from sea level and breathtaking in its size and diversity of flora and fauna. Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered and rare mountain goat species had found the safest eco system for their withstanding. This is the only land that presenting Neelakurinji bloom once in twelve years and that bloom paints the hills and valleys with violet intensity.

Eravikulam is the part of Kerala’s famous hill station Munnar. The misty hills and cool amiable climate in this area is making this place is favorite to the honeymooners and vacationers from all the corner of the world. This hill station was a favorite summer station for British in colonial time and coffee, tea and spicy plantations are increasing the radiance of its nature. Anamudi is highest peak in south India is located at this national park and nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting.

This is a famous ecotourism spot in Kerala and trekking and other activities are limited to the tourism zone that is approachable by vehicles and is a high altitude of rocky precipice. The view of valleys and streams from here is fabulous and offers a satisfying trip for trekkers. A good pastime is the Lakhom Falls Trail involving a one-day trek from the waterfall to Pakkumarathery where trekkers can have a look at the Anamudi Peak and opt for an overnight stay at the Log House. The Park area also offers excellent opportunities for Rainbow Trout angling.

Five numbers in 25 species mammals those found here are endemic to the Western Ghats. Atias Moth is the largest of its kind in the world is one major attraction here. Large variety of orchids and balsams are including in the rolling grasslands at the upper parts of the valley.

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Parambikulam – A Sanctuary of World’s Tallest and oldest Teak Trees

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, a heaven of tranquil greenery boasts of the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation. This plantation is also the home for the world’s tallest and oldest teak tree believed over 350 years old. Parambikkkulam wildlife sanctuary is located on the lap of the majestic Western Ghats and near Tamilnadu border.

There are some peaks in this sanctuary very suitable as adventurous tourism spot. Karimala Gopuram and Vengoli are the favorite spots for visitors and those lucky even get to see endangered Nilgiri Tahrs(Mountain Goats). Three dams are the unique feature e of this Sanctuary and those are interconnected with tunnels, channels river courses and canals. Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Perivarapallam dams are creating a deep freshwater ecosystem and adding diversity to this sanctuary.

This is a famous ecotourism spot in Kerala bestowed with rich flora and Fauna, Parambikulam is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. While deer, sambar and gaur roam around in the Vayal area, deep inside the Sanctuary can be seen lion tailed macaques, slender loris, king cobras, the royal Bengal tiger, cane turtle and the Nilgiri marten; as also 250 species of birds including the Malabar grey hornbill, great pied hornbill and the Peninsular Bay owl. The Sanctuary's spectacular floral diversity - seen in the 285 species of endemic, rare and endangered flora, 1320 species of flowering plants, including 70 species of orchids, about 50 endangered medicinal plants - makes it ideal for nature lovers as well.

Number of attractive ecotourism activities are arranged here for tourists and those help to get back them to the hands of Mother Nature during the holiday time. Camping out in the forests, watching the animals from the safety of the watch towers, boating, bamboo rafting and row boating in the reservoir, bird watching etc are the main arrangements. Parambikulam is a main hill station in Kerala with many peaks and valleys and offering an assortment of soft or tough adventure in your travel and vacation.

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Periyar Wildlife Sanctury – a wildlife ecotourism spot

The long wall of mountains at the western part of Kerala has an important role in Kerala’s tourism artifacts. This array of mountains are known as Western Ghats and it carries the essence of beauty of nature as misty hill stations, tea, coffee and spicy plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, lakes, rivers etc. Thekkady is a famous wildlife reserve in this area located on the high ranges of Cardamom hills here. This sanctuary is declared as a tiger reserve by government in 1978 and attracts travelers from different part of the world as an ecotourism spot.

Periyar wildlife sanctuaryis noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape and is an environmental hotspot.

A 26sq km artificial Periyar lake is the main specialty here and providing facility to travelers to watch the animals from a floating boat on this scenic water surface. This lake is water source to all the animals in jungle during summer season. So the shore of the lake will become the play ground for various species of animals and birds.

The ecotourism activities in this sanctuary includes nature walk for close observation of birds, butterflies and wildlife, tiger trail that focus on prevention and detection of illicit activities within the forest, border hiking is the hard trek along the forest boundary, Bamboo grove functions as the eco-lodges for visitors etc. The other trekking activities include bamboo rafting, jungle camp, jungle petrol and night camping. Bullock cart discoveries facilitate the visit to the farm lands of a tiny hamlet beyond the mountains of Periyar and this enlighten the traditional way of farming. Tribal heritage museum displays the Mannan settlement that showcases various attractions of tribal culture.

The camping on the banks of the Periyar River inside the reserve is arranging a special package includes optional activities like visits to tribal colonies, historical Mullaperiyar Dam, forest trekking, tea factory and spice garden visiting, safari through sanctuary, boating through Periyar Lake Etc. Mullaperiyar dam site is opening a view to the old architectural wonder in colonial time that across the Periyar river.

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Thenmala –an Ecotourism spot to find yourselves in Lap of Nature

Kerala, the land raised from the sea by Parasurama (according to myth about Kerala) is now a favorite place for travelers all over the world. It is the land of greenish nature and anyone can see the nature in its full radiance in this traveler’s paradise. Now a days Ecotourism is a most saying word around and Kerala is now more focusing in sustainable and eco-friendly development of tourism. Kerala is blessed with rich biodiversity and unmatched natural attractions and so it is a unique ecotourism hotspot.

Thenmala in Kerala is the India’s first planned ecotourism project. Thenmala means the hills with honey flow and situated about 72 km from Trivandrum. Thenmala is a hill station and spread over acres of green forest. Thenmala is the natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna and 500m above from sea level. The rugged terrain of this land harboring a fragile ecosystem packs plenty of adventure activities. The cascading waterfalls and enchanting picnic spots attract naturalists and nature lovers. Forests, rubber, tea and spicy plantations are providing perfect background for our remarkable holiday moments.

Here is arranged number of ecotourism activities by Thenmala Ecotourism Facilitation Centre. Amphitheatre for local art, shops for local forest products, musical dancing fountain, Nature trail, Canopy walkway through trees, Lotus Pond, mountain biking, Rock climbing and rappelling, River crossing, Hill thrills, resting points, boating at the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary etc are some of them. The Deer Rehabilitation centre is an opportunity to befriend a deer and understand their delicate ecosystem. There has a children’s eco-park with treetop huts and swings.

One or two day trekking facility will give us the occasion to know the nature near and to be the part of it. The area is the safe home for number of rare species birds and bird watching trail will give us an unforgettable experience with their musical sounds. There are three ancient temples related to forest and an eco-pilgrimage through forest is connecting those temples. Palaruvi is one of the largest and beautiful waterfall in Kerala is the main spot for adventure tourism here.

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Kathakali – Kerala’s The Most Renowned and Revered Dance Form

Kerala, the beautiful state at the southern part of India is rich about its cultural and social factors. People are living in mutual harmony here from centuries ago. The artistic field in Kerala is rich with flavors from different part of the world. The tourists coming to this God’s own country are not only for enjoying vacation but also to see the tremendous expressions in Kerala’s arts. Kathakali is one of the world famous dance-drama mixes that molded in the master mind of Kerala some 400 years ago. The face of the Kathakali performer is famous icon for Kerala and it is also displaying the colorful festivals of this land

During the carnival of Onam, the places Shoranur, Kovalam and Cheruthuruthy are hosting the Kathakali shows for natives and tourists from outside. The Malayalam word ‘Katha-kali’ can translate to English as story and dance. As the name implies Kathakali is a beautiful combination of dance and drama. It is a harmonious blend of five forms of art namely, literature, music, painting, acting and dance and it is a total theater.

It is a visual art and the performers do not say dialogues and they are mime. Remarkable use of gestures and mudras are used to convey the story. Its elaborate costume and make-up is also colorful and a distinct feature. It is a magical sight to watch Kathakali artistes performing in their traditional attire. Their larger than life form transport the audience to a make believe wonderland.  

This one of the most renowned and revered dance form of India is said to have been inspired from the ancient south Indian dances. The movements are adopted from the ancient Indian drama science Bharatha Natya Shastra with suitable modifications. The theme will be from the famous epics of Hindu Mythology. The performance of Kathakali is starting from the evening, a show continues for the entire night and culminates at dawn and it is a long time dance-drama. In the modern jet age when people are tight for time, Kathakali has transformed itself. Performances are designed to last for a maximum of two hours these days.

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Trissur Pooram – The Dazzling Display of Kerala Arts

Kerala, a beautiful state at the southern part of India and is a very favorite tourist location to the travelers to enjoy their remarkable vacation. The festival time of Kerala is the main season for tourists to visit this heavenly land and be the part of the colorful celebrations and know the mutual harmony of people in this God’s own country. The Festivals brims with mirth and joy and unfold the rich and varied culture of the Kerala. Due to the appreciable hospitality of Kerala to out side visitors and to other cultures, there got number of adoptions and additions to Kerala’s own traditions.

Trissur Pooram is the most spectacular festival of Kerala. Pooram is Malayalam world and it means ‘the meeting point of all the arts’. It is only a 36 hours celebration and displays the rich art and culture of the Kerala that can be seen in its entire splendor. The time of festival is coming in April-May months. Maharaja of Kochi, Ramavarma introduced this festival and he was the most powerful king in Kochi history. The celebrations are held at Thekkinkadu grounds encircling the Vadakunnathan temple. People from all the religions, castes and tourists participate with vigor and zeal in the Pooram. 

Paramekavu and Thiruvambadi are the two temples and major participants of the Pooram. They are displaying Kerala art and culture to the onlookers as they show their artistic prowess and it is a rare show of talent. Massive and colorful processions are organized by temples, starting from Krishna Temple and Devi Temple. The groups enter the Vadakumnatha Temple through the western gate and take exit from the southern gate of the temple. This way they come face to face and the competition becomes open.

Panchavadyam by 200 artists from various disciplines like Thimila, Maddalam, and Trumpet etc is the major attraction of the moment. Noon time is reserved for another event, Pandemelam and all this leave the audience spell bound. A procession of 13 caparisoned elephants, they face each other is the most enchanting facet of Thrissur Pooram. Kudamatom is another ceremony, the parasols are changed with an even more colorful and exquisite one among the people in the Pooram. The dazzling display of fire works till morning is noting the end of the Pooram moments.

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The Boat Races Kerala - The Symbol of Social Harmony

Kerala is known not only due to its spectacular beauty of nature, but also this God’s own land is known for its rich cultural heritage, art and adventure. The boat races of kerala are a main attraction related to the festival times of Kerala. Mainly the National Festival of Kerala, Onam is the main occasion that arranging these spectacle moments in front of the large number of people including tourists from all nook and corner of the world. Boat races or Vallam Kali is the important part of the tradition of folk arts from ancient time. The boat races Kerala is the symbol of social and cultural harmony among the people here and it also telling the stories of the adventurous and competitive spirit of the people.

The backwater locations like Kumarakom, Kollam, Alleppey etc in Kerala are stage for this native boat races. The winding stretches of backwater are finding the great excitement and a reflection of a vibrant people. The boat festival season begins with the centuries-old Champakulam boat race and which marks the beginning of a month of festivals. In the boat races, a boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 - 125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the vanchipattu. Vanchipattu is the song to energize the oarsmen and give an equal movement to the arms of oarsmen. These songs have devotional, mythological or rustic themes.

Snake boats are the special boats using for the races and has particular shape and architecture to help fast moving through the water. The stern of a vessel or the helm is called Amaram. The helmsman who steers the boat is the Amarakkaran. The curl at its stern (helm) represents the raised hood of a snake. The boat with a height from the water level at the rear, a width of six feet, a length of about 60-65 meters and the curl at the stern qualifies the boat to be called a snake boat, and its carrying capacity is hundred plus during the race time. 

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At the waterfront, there will be number of natives to cheer the huge black crafts as they cut their way through the waves to a spectacular finish.

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Be a Witness to Spectacle Moments of Boat Races in Kerala

Kerala’s winding stretches of backwater are famous to all over the world and number of tourists is visiting this beautiful combination of scenic backwater, sea, greenish land and blue sky. Most of the travelers are selecting harvest season to visit the backwater locations. Because this is the festival time of Kerala and the nature of kerala will be in its full radiance. The annually conducting native boat races are the main specialty in this season. The boat races signify the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater land. The boat races are occasions of great excitement and a reflection of a vibrant people.

Champakulam boat race in Champakulam Lake is century’s old one and this boat race is announcing the starting of the boat festival season and month of festivals. Champakulam boat race is closely connected to the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha sree Krishna Temple.Aranmula boat race is a two day occasion and a water fiesta conducted during Onam, the national festival of Kerala and related to a myth about thiruvonachilavu thoni (the boat carrying offerings to thiruvona sadya at Aranmula Parthasarathy temple) was intercepted by rivals from another village, but the other good villagers came to the rescue on snake boats. Payippad Jalotsavam is three day annual fiesta on the Payippad Lake, commemorates the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the only boat festival, which the people of Kerala look forward for excitement and it is a competition boat race in the name of India’s first Prime Minister Javaharlal Nehru. Thousands of natives and tourists will rush the watersides of the Alsppuzha to witness the spectacle moments. Over 16 chundan vallams are participating in the race and the winners are getting the trophy that instituted by Nehru. There are separate races for women too. The race begins with a colorful pageant of floats, performing arts and decorated boats and goes on late into the evening.

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Visit Pre-Historic Rock Drawing Sites in Kerala

Kerala, God's own country is blessed with the bounty of nature and thus with its forest in the west and the Western Ghats in the east. Refreshing breeze of Kerala hill stations are sure to linger on the tourist's mind for ever. These beautiful hill stations are not only fabulous Kerala vacation destinations, but are also great source of famous Kerala spices. The hill stations of Kerala has another important specialty that the presence of monuments that points to the pre-historic time of Kerala and India. The prehistoric cave drawings and paintings at the hill stations of Kerala is remarkable evidence to the lifestyle and culture of Stone Age civilizations here. Some of the main sites in Kerala are noted here.
Edakkal Cave carvings are the main protected spot for visitors in Kerala and it comprises about 446 carved motifs. Edakkal is the combination of three caves and located at Thenmalai (Wayanad) about 1000 meter above from sea level. We can identify crosses, triangles and tridents; squares, some with inner crosses, and a rectangle divided into nine square-shaped chambers; stars, wheels and quatrefoils; spirals, whorls and volutes; plant motifs, pot-shaped items; various animals including ones resembling foxes, dogs and dear; the unmistakable outline of an elephant and human figures in the carvings on the walls of this caves.
Toberimala is another spot of prehistoric carvings located at the Tea Estate of Harrison Malayalam ltd in Wayanad district. This stone age shelter is hidden in dense forest and there are thin linear engravings inscribed in the rough grained ceiling. Tenmalai at Quilon district has another spot and from here Mesolithic artifacts have been excavated. The rock shelter in Anacode, Trivandrum district has 37 carved motifs of human and animal figures in the internal and external walls.
In Kerala there are also prehistoric rock painting spots. Attala and Ezhuthu Guha in Idukki district and Kovilkadavu Old Siva temple are the locations of rock paintings. The painting are found on the walls of ancient rock shelters in Attala and Ezhuthu guha and most of the paintings are of abstract designs.
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